Articles and Reviews about Andre Norton

~ 1970 thru 1974

 

Indented critiques and comments from Andre Norton: A Primary and Secondary Bibliography. Edited by Roger A. Schlobin, 1994

Many of the articles posted here are from the archives of Texas A & M University - Cushing Memorial Library

Many miscellaneous reviews and articles were saved by Andre and mounted in scrapbooks. ~  See: Scapbook #*.* page***  for a full-size image.

1970  1971  1972  1973  1974

 

1970

• Various reviews of Fur Magic ~ See: Scrapbook #15.0 pages 039  040  041  042

• Various reviews of Sargasso of Space ~ See: Scrapbook #8.0 pages 012  014  015  017

• Review of Postmarked the Stars by Robert Coulson in Yandro, Published by  Robert & Juanita Coulson, Edited by Rober Coulson,   See: Scrapbook #15.0 page 050

• Review of High Sorcery by Robert Coulson in Yandro, Published by  Robert & Juanita Coulson, Edited by Rober Coulson, April, pg.18 ~ See: Scrapbook #15.1 page 063

• Review of Dread Companion by Robert Coulson in Yandro, Published by  Robert & Juanita Coulson, Edited by Rober Coulson, October ~ See: Scrapbook #15.1 page 080

• Review of Ice Crown in Sandworm #11 (fanzine) (pg.07)
  

 

• Andre Norton ~ Stella Nova: The Contemporary Science Fiction Authors ~ Edited by R. Reginald, Published by Unicorn & Sons

Reprinted as Contemporary Science Fiction Authors: First Edition ~ Published by Arno Press (1975)

Contains a chronological list of novels, collections, and selected short stories current to 1959 plus a brief biographical section that includes awards and memberships in professional organizations. This is followed by a brief autobiographical statement that summarizes the early beginnings of Norton’s writing career; her thoughts on science fiction, juvenile literature, and the New Wave science fiction writers; and a list of her favorite authors.

• Andre Norton: Why Has She Been Neglected? by Barry McGhan ~ Riverside Quarterly #4 (Jan.) (pgs. 128-131)

Abridged in Contemporary Literary Criticism Vol. 12 (1980) ~ Edited by Dedria Bryfonski, Published by Gale, HC, 0-810-30122-9, $243.00, 680pg, (pg. 459)

Briefly surveys what little critical attention Norton’s works have received and speculates on the reasons for this neglect. McGhan notes her extreme popularity with both adults and juveniles and explains that her lack of critical acclaim is due to the general neglect of the fantasy genre, the stereotyping of her works as escapist, and the unfortunate and incorrect assessment of her as “only” an author of juveniles. The essay also explores the major elements of Norton’s writing--its epic scope, narrative excellence, mystery, complex settings and descriptions, and focus on the relationships between mankind and animals--and contains a chronological and selected bibliography of novels, short stories, and edited anthologies. The next issue of the Riverside Quarterly-4 (June 1970) contains two interesting letters by Sam Moskowitz and Sandra Missal responding to McGhan's article. ~ See: Scrapbook #11.1 pages 40  41

• Review of Dark Piper by Paul Walker in Science Fiction Review #39, Published and Edited by Richard E. Geis, $0.50, 54pgs. (pg.27)

• Brief review of The Zero Stone by Gary Zachrich in The Pulp Era #74, January

 

 1971

• Various reviews of Android at Arms ~ See: Scrapbook #15.2 pages 101  102  103  104

• Various reviews of Bertie and May ~ See: Scrapbook #15.1 pages 057  058  059  060  061

• Review of Dark Piper by Tod Pauls ~ See: Scrapbook #15.0 pages 034  035

• Various reviews of Ice Crown ~ See: Scrapbook #15.1 pages 067  068  071  074  075  076  077

• Various reviews of Plague Ship ~ See: Scrapbook #8.0 pages 035  036  037  038

• Various reviews of Postmarked the Stars ~ See: Scrapbook #15.1 pages 051  052  054

• Various reviews of Shadow Hawk ~ See: Scrapbook #8.1 pages 072  073  074  075  076

• Graphic novel adaption of Wizards' World by Mark Wheatley in Nucleus: The Center of the Fantasy World #7, Published by Fantasy Worlds Unlimited, Edited by Mark Wheatley ~ cover by Kelly Freas
  

 

• A Bio-Bibliographical Study of Andre Norton 1960-1971 by Becky D. Peters ~ MA Thesis, Kent State University

A continuation of Lofland’s thesis which examines all of Norton’s fiction published from 1960 to 1971. Divided into five chapters covering the author’s life, historical fiction, juvenile fantasy, shorter works, and science fiction. Stresses Norton’s role as a female writer and as an artist of evocative prose while examining the major aspects of fear, characterization, and positive rewards in her work. Contains a primary bibliography divided by genre, a brief secondary bibliography, and a list of reviews.

• A Sense of Story: Essays on Contemporary Writers for Children by John Rowe Townsend, Published by Lippincott, 216pg (pgs. 143-53)

Abridged in Contemporary Literary Criticism Vol. 12 (1980) ~ Edited by Dedria Bryfonski, Published by Gale, HC, 0-810-30122-9, $243.00, 680pg, (pgs. 460-462)

In an essay devoted to Norton’s works, Townsend indicates that Norton writes primarily space opera and that she is a highly professional writer who effectively creates characters and inventions and who thoroughly researches her works in Greek and Roman mythology, anthropology, archeology, and folklore. He points out that science-for-science’s-sake is a very minor element and that her fast-moving, event-oriented narratives demonstrate a negative attitude toward technology. Instead, there is a focus on the success of the intuitive and primitive link between mankind and nature and the special powers and telepathy that this link develops. However, Townsend notes that this precarious blending and juxtaposition of myth and space technology is occasionally unsuccessful in Norton’s savage and hostile settings. Townsend, in addition, compares Norton’s fiction to Rosemary Sutcliff's in its use of the ancient and mythical themes of instinctual life, the seasons, and life and death. He contends that these themes are best expressed in Dark Piper. The chapter also examines Star Man’s Son 2250 A.D., Star Rangers, Star Guard, Star Gate, The Beast Master, Lord of Thunder, Judgment on Janus, and Victory on Janus. A chronological bibliography of the British and American first editions of the novels, current to 1971, and a brief autobiographical summary of Norton’s career are appended to the chapter.

• Norton, Alice Mary by Martha E. Ward and Dorothy A. Marquardt ~ Authors of Books for Young People 2nd Edition, Published by Scarecrow Press

A brief bio-bibliographic entry that identifies some of the genres of Norton’s works, the highpoints of her life, and seven of her juvenile titles.

• Special Review: Plague Ship by Margery Fisher ~ Growing Point, Volume 9 No. 9 (April) (pg. 1699)

Examines and expresses admiration For Norton’s ability to create narrative tension in Plague Ship and Sargasso of Space.

• Review of High Sorcery by Richard Benyo in The Dipple Chronicle: The Fanzine for the Unpretentious, Volume 1 No.1, Edited and published by Richard Benyo, January/March, $0.50, pg.26 ~ cover by Joe Staton
  

 

• Andre Norton III an essay by Richard Banyo,  The Dipple Chronicle: The Fanzine for the Unpretentious, Volume 1 No.2, Edited and published by Richard Benyo, April/June, $0.50, (pgs. 3-5) ~ cover by Metro
  

 

• Andre Norton: Loss of Faith by Rick Brooks ~ The Dipple Chronicle: The Fanzine for the Unpretentious, Volume 1 No.4, Edited and published by Richard Benyo, October/December, $0.50, (pgs. 12-30) ~ cover by Susan Olevia          Note: previous link is for the website article with internal links ~ see the original from The Dipple Chronicle

Reprinted in The Many Worlds of Andre Norton (1974) Edited by Roger Elwood, Published by Chilton, HC, 0-801-95927-6, LCCN 74010980, 208pg (pgs. 178-200)

Reprinted in The Book of Andre Norton (1975) Edited by Rodger Elwood, Published by DAW, PB, 0-451-UY119-8, $1.25, 221pg ~ cover by Jack Gaughan ~ (First Time In Paperback) (pgs. 187-209)

Abridged in Contemporary Literary Criticism Vol. 12 (1980) ~ Edited by Dedria Bryfonski, Published by Gale, HC, 0-810-30122-9, $243.00, 680pg, (pgs. 467-469)

A wide-ranging potpourri that surveys most of the novels up to 1970. Brooks feels that the novels show an evolution toward a pessimistic view of the future and authority, most evidenced by the negative treatment of the social establishment and its police force (“the Patrol”). He also includes mention of the sources of some of the novels [e.g., Year of the Unicorn from Beauty and the Beast, Warlock of the Witch World from Childe Roland and the Dark Tower, Night of Mask from William Hope Hodgson’s The Night Land] as well as extensive discussion of the negative attitude toward computers and technology. There are, in addition, descriptions and analyses of the major themes of the bond between man and animal, telepathy, and the aftermath of Future war. Concludes that the value of Norton's fiction is its ability to enchant the reader’s bond with life, and to offer positive futures through a commitment to nature and intuition.

 

• Review of Android At Arms by Fred Patten, Locus #100, Nov., Edited by Dena Brown, 16pgs. cover by Vincent DeFate (pg. 12)

• Review of Dread Companion by P. Schuyler Miller in Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact, April, Published by Condi Nast Publications, Edited by John W. Campbell, $0.60, 180pgs. cover by Frank Kelly Fries (pg.163)

 

• Review of Ice Crown by P. Schuyler Miller in Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact, January Vol. LXXXVI, No. 5, Published by Condé Nast Publications, Inc., Edited by John W. Campbell, $0.60, 180pg ~ cover by Frank Kelly Freas (pg166) ~ See Also: Scrapbook #15.1 page 073

 

• Review of Ice Crown by Mary Schaub in Locus, #76 March 4, Published and Edited by Charlie and Dena Brown, $0.20, 12pg

• Review of Postmarked the Stars by Fred Patten in Science Fiction Review #42, Published and Edited by Richard E. Geis, $0.50, 25pg ~ cover by Tim Kirk (pg31)

 

• Review of Postmarked the Stars by James R. Newton in The WSFA Journal #76, April-May, Published by Washington Science Fiction Association, Edited Donald L Miller, 136pg (pg96)

• Review of Uncharted Stars by Charlie Brown in Locus, #71 January 6, Published by Charlie & Dena Brown, Edited by Charlie Brown, $0.20, 18pg ~ cover by Vincent DiFate (pg15)

 

• Review of Uncharted Stars by Ted Pauls in Locus, #77 March 18, Published by Charlie & Dena Brown, Edited by Charlie Brown, $0.20, 10pg ~ cover by Steve Stiles (pg10)
  

 1972

• Various reviews of Breed To Come ~ See: Scrapbook #15.2 pages 117  118  119

• Various reviews of The Crystal Gryphon ~ See: Scrapbook #15.2 pages 133  139

• Various reviews of Dragon Magic ~ See: Scrapbook #15.2 pages 108  109  110  112  113  114  115

• Various reviews of Dread Companion ~ See: Scrapbook #15.1 pages 079  081  082  083  084  085  086  087  088

• Various reviews of Exiles of the Stars ~ See: Scrapbook #15.1 pages 089  090  091  092  093  094  095  096  097

• Review of Android at Arms by Robert Coulson in Yandro, Published by  Robert & Juanita Coulson, Edited by Rober Coulson, pg.16 ~ See: Scrapbook #15.1 page 099

• Review of Dragon Magic by Robert Coulson in Yandro, Published by  Robert & Juanita Coulson, Edited by Rober Coulson, July ~ See: Scrapbook #15.2 page111   See Also: Scrapbook #11.0 page 27

• Review of Dark Piper ~ The WSFA Journal ~ See: Scrapbook #15.0 page 036
  

• (Andre Norton?) ~ The Nesbit Tradition: the Children's Novel in England 1945- 1970, by Marcus Crouch, Published by Ernest Benn, HC, 0-510-31351-5, 239pg (pgs. 54-55)

• Scratching the Surface of Tales of Cats' Powers by Dorothy Meddlee ~ Orlando Sentinal, May 14th, pp. 7-E & 11-E
  

• An Interview with Andre Norton by Paul Walker ~ Luna Monthly # 40 (Sept.) (pgs. 1-4)

Reprinted in Speaking of Science Fiction: The Paul Walker Interviews (1978) by Paul Walker, Published by Luna, PB, 0-930-34601-7

A strong source of information on family and past life, literary style, narration and plot, sources, attitude toward the evolution of series (e.g., Witch World), and Norton’s role within the science-fiction genre.

 

• Review of Android At Arms by P. Schuyler Miller (1972) in Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact, February 1972, Edited by Ben Bova, $0.60, 180pgs. ~ cover by John Schoenherr (pg. 174) ~ See Also: Scrapbook #15.2 page 105

 

• Reviews of Breed To Come, The Crystal Gryphon, Dragon Magic, Exile of the Stars, & Spell of the Witch World by Charlie Brown in Locus, #125 October 27, Published and Edited by Charlie and Dena Brown, $0.50?, 10pgs. (pg.6)

 

• Review of Breed To Come by P. Schuyler Miller in Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact, November, Vol XC No 3, Published by Conde Nast Publications, Edited by Ben Bova, $0.60, 180pgs. (pg.171) ~ See Also: Scrapbook #15.2 page 123

 1973

• Various reviews of Breed To Come ~ See: Scrapbook #15.2 pages 120  121  122  124  125

• Various reviews of The Crystal Gryphon ~ See: Scrapbook #15.2 pages 127  128  129  130  131  132  134  135  136  137  138

• Various reviews of Gates To Tomorrow ~ See: Scrapbook #3.0 pages 002  003  004  006  008.0  008.1  009  011

• Various reviews of Forerunner Foray ~ See: Scrapbook #3.0 page 023

• Review of Forerunner Foray by unknown, Childrens Monthly Newsletter ~ See: Scrapbook #3.0 page 015

• Review of Forerunner Foray by Robert Coulson in Yandro, July, Published by  Robert & Juanita Coulson, Edited by Rober Coulson, pg.15 ~ See: Scrapbook #11.0 page 25

• Various reviews of Here Abide Monsters ~ See: Scrapbook #3.0 pages 031  034  035  036  039

• Review of Here Abide Monsters by Robert Coulson in Yandro, #224 December, Published by  Robert & Juanita Coulson, Edited by Rober Coulson, pg.20 ~ See: Scrapbook #11.0 page 23

• Reviews of The Crystal Gryphon, Huon of the Horn, and Plague Ship by Robert Coulson in Yandro, edition unknown, Published by  Robert & Juanita Coulson, Edited by Rober Coulson, pg.24 ~ See: Scrapbook #11.0 page 24

• Introduction to Toads of Grimmerdale by Lin Carter ~ Flashing Swords # 2 Edited by Lin Carter, Published by Dell, PB, #3123, $0.95, 268pg

Carter expresses admiration for the rich setting and adult character development of the Witch World series, in general, and this Witch World short story, in particular.

• Sorcery for Initiates by Anonymous ~ Review of The Crystal Gryphon ~ Times Literary Supplement (Sept. 28) (pg. 1114)

Abridged in Contemporary Literary Criticism Vol. 12 (1980) ~ Edited by Dedria Bryfonski, Published by Gale, HC, 0-810-30122-9, $243.00, 680pg, (pg. 465)

While Norton’s novels are frequently called juvenile, her wide-ranging works, in actuality, appeal to anyone over the age of twelve. Much of this is due to the historical, mythical, and legendary backgrounds of her works as well as her high tone, epic seriousness, dark and brooding sense of Senecan tragedy, sense of fate, subtle plotting, and elemental symbolism. Favorably compares Norton to Rosemary Sutcliff in that both “share a common theme... [of] the heroic tale which generates a linguistic and tonal similarity, difficult for the novice, spellbinding for the initiate.” The most astute of the many reviews of Norton’s works.

• Reviews of The Crystal Gryphon and Spell of the Witch World by unknown, in Amra V2n58, January, Published by Terminus, Owlswick, & Ft Mudge Electrick St Railway Gazette, Edited by George H. Scithers, $0.50, 20pg (pg3) ~ cover by Roy G. Krenkel

 

• Bibliography of Andre Norton 1971-1973, with Foreign Publications by Jean Cumming ~ While working toward master's at U.S.F. in Tampa, FL, accompanied by article from newspaper chronicling the creation of the bibliography.

 1974

• Various reviews of Gates To Tomorrow ~ See: Scrapbook #3.0 pages 005  007  010

• Various reviews of Forerunner Foray ~ See: Scrapbook #3.0 pages 017  018  019  020

• Various reviews of Here Abide Monsters ~ See: Scrapbook #3.0 pages 030  032  033  037  038

• Various reviews of Lavender-Green Magic ~ See: Scrapbook #3.1 pages 047  048  049  050

• Various reviews of The Jargoon Pard ~ See: Scrapbook #3.1 pages 055  056  058  059  060  073  074

• Various reviews of The Zero Stone ~ See: Scrapbook #15.0 pages 019  020  021  022

• Reviews of The Jargoon Pard and The Many Worlds of Andre Norton by Robert Coulson in Yandro, #229 November, Published by  Robert & Juanita Coulson, Edited by Rober Coulson, pg.15 ~ See: Scrapbook #11.0 page 26

• Various reviews of Iron Cage ~ See: Scrapbook #4.0 pages 001  002  003

• Various reviews of Small Shadows Creep ~ See: Scrapbook #4.0 pages 008  009  012  013

• Reviews of Here Abide Monsters by Leslie Bloom (pg.18) and Garan the Eternal by B.A. Fredstrom (pg.27) ~ Luna Monthly # 54, September
  

 

• Introduction to The Many Worlds of Andre Norton by Donald A. Wollheim ~ Edited by Roger Elwood, Published by Chilton, HC, 0-801-95927-6, LCCN 74010980, 208pg

Abridged in Contemporary Literary Criticism Vol. 12 (1980) ~ Edited by Dedria Bryfonski, Published by Gale, HC, 0-810-30122-9, $243.00, 680pg, (pgs. 466-467)

Argues that Norton is unjustly ignored as a major figure because of her lack of publications in the standard science-fiction magazines, her few short stories, her absence at science-fiction conferences, and the incorrect marketing of her science fiction as juveniles. Wollheim points to the success of the paperback editions of her works as evidence of her non juvenile appeal. He attributes her popularity to the pleasure that her books generate, her sense of alien minds and environments, her realistic characters, her compassionate use of animals, and the elements of wonder and love in her works.

• The First Editions of Andre Norton by David Turner, Published by David Turner, PB ~ includes novels, magazine fiction, articles and anthologies.

A chronological bibliography of books, magazine fiction, edited anthologies, and articles that is current to 1973. Since it is incomplete and has a few errors, this effort is most valuable for its identification of the genres of the novels and the appended listing of Norton's series. See also “Norton Bibliography” in The Many Worlds of Andre Norton, by Andre Norton, 1974 and “Andre Norton Bibliography” in The Book of Andre Norton, by Helen-Jo Jakusz Hewitt, 1975.

Review of the Fist Editions of Andre Norton by Edward Lauterback, Fantasiae, The Monthly Newsletter of the Fantasy Association, Vol.3 No.7, July. p. 5 ~ See: Scrapbook #5.1 page 034.1

 

• Obstructs, Mind-seals and Distorts by Edward Blishen ~ Reviews of Forerunner Foray and The Zero Stone ~ Times Educational Supplement (March 29) (pg. 24)

Objects to the stereotyping of Norton as a juvenile author and describes her as “one of those curious, intricate, and passionately odd and persuasive imaginations that can create and sustain a fantasy universe...”

• Women in the Fiction of Andre Norton by Amanda Bankier ~ The Witch and the Chameleon, Vol. 1, Fanzine, August, Published and Edited by Amanda Bankier, $0.50, 18pgs. (pgs. 3-5) ~ Andre Norton replies in The Witch and the Chameleon, Vol. 2, 24pgs. (pg. 4)

Correctly indicates that Norton was using realistic female characters and confronting the issues of sexism long before it was fashionable. Examines the female characters of the Witch World series, Storm Over Warlock, Ordeal in Otherwhere, Dread Companion, Moon of Three Rings, Exiles of the Stars, Android at Arms, and Breed to Come. The essay also comments on her ability to shape the masculine- dominated genre of sword and sorcery to allow for female emphasis (also see The Asbestos Shelf by Fred Patten).

Reprinted in Bakka Magazine (#3 Fall 1975), Published by Bakka Bookstores Ltd., Edited by Charles McKee ~ cover by Bill Reed (pg. 30 - Andre Norton replies on pg. 33)

• Beyond mere SF by Anonymous ~ Review of Uncharted Stars ~ Times Literary Supplement (Sept. 20) (pg. 1006)

Contends that Norton’s usual excellence of narration and characterization are lost in a preoccupation with plot.

• Review of The Jargoon Pard by Jennifer Bankier, ~ The Witch and the Chameleon, Vol. 2, Fanzine, November, Published and Edited by Amanda Bankier, $0.50, 24pgs. (pg. 16)

 

• Review of Breed To Come by Baird Searles in Locus, #154 January 25, Published and Edited by Charles M. & Dena Brown, $0.40, 12pgs. (pg.9)

 

• Reviews of Here Abide Monsters & Gates to Tomorrow by Theodore Sturgeon in Galaxy March, Vol. 34 No. 6, Published by UDP Publishing Corp, Edited by Ejler Jakobsson, $0.75, 180pgs.~ cover by Jack Gaughan ~ reprinted in Galaxy Science Fiction [UK], March, Published by Universal Tandem Publishing, £0.25, 180pgs.(pg. 85) ~ See Also: Scrapbook #6.0 pages 001.0  001.1

 

• Review of The Crystal Gryphon by Malcolm Edwards in Vector # 67/68, Published by British Science Fiction Association, Edited by Malcolm Edwards, £0.45, 80pg

 

1970  1971  1972  1973  1974